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OldManInaCoffeeCan
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1467 Posts |
 Posted - 12/04/2004 : 06:50:07
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Well, I never knew that the second half of "Everything is New" is about Hank Williams and Johnny Horton, until now.
I got tired of hearing references to Johnny Horton in Frank's songs and not knowing who he was singing about. So, I checked google, got some information, and then hit the motherlode when I checked this Site's lyrics for "Everything is New" and stumbled upon the "definitions and references" at the end of the lyrics. (Well done guys)
Now, this great song has a totally new meaning for me.
Damn, Frank's good. The Man can write songs. |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 09:05:16
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I didn't realize the Billie Jean connection - interesting.
A couple of days ago I saw a great show on Trio about Williams and the sea change in country music, with Lyle Lovett narrating. Adding to the strange coincidences in the lives of Johnny Horton and Hank is the fact that in 1952 (the year he married Billie Jean) Hank told Johnny that if he didn't get back together with his first wife he would be dead within the year. He died exactly one year later in that car accident.
If you get Trio, the show was from a 4 part series called "Lost Highway".
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
- Mark Twain |
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fumanbru
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1462 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 10:01:08
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thanks oldman. isn't it great when you already love and song and then discover something completely new about it. i took the liberties of cutting and pasting from the "definitions and references" section. frank truly is an amazing songwriter.
(2nd verse)
Hiram said to John have you met my wife?
Someday she'll be yours when I lose my life
He lost it after playing the old Skyline
Seven years later after that same gig
John took the wheel, but when he got to the bridge
Billy Jean was alone for the second time
Everything is new
When the sky is blue
You got everything to do [x4]
Definitions and References:
Hiram, John, Billy Jean [entire second verse]
Hiram Williams, better known as Hank Williams, is considered the father of contemporary country music. He met 19-year old Billie Jean Jones in the fall of 1952 and the couple married that October. John, or Johnny Horton, another early country star, met Hank Williams in 1952 when Williams rejoined the Lousiana Hayride, a weekly live radio show broadcasting out of Shreveport, Louisiana. Williams became a sort of mentor for Horton. Hank Williams died on January 1, 1953 in the back of Cadillac on his way to a concert. After his death, Horton became close to Williams' widow, and in September 1953, Billie Jean and Johnny Horton married. On November 4, 1960, Horton was involved in an auto accident and died on his way to the hospital, suffering an almost similar and just as tragic death as Williams.
Skyline
The Skyline Club of Austin, TX, which opened in 1948. Through a strange twist of events, the Skyline became the location for the final concerts of both Hank Williams and Johnny Horton. On January 1, 1953, Williams died in his sleep in the back of a car while being transported between gigs. Horton died when his car was struck by a drunk driver after his gig at the Skyline on November 4, 1960.
 "I joined the Cult of Frank/ and I got a free t-shirt with this dude on it." |
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billgoodman
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Netherlands
6212 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 14:26:06
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the first verse is about a tragic deatch to
chesney (real name?, a jazz player I believe) fell out of a window in Holland
this was posted by someone on this forum
it should be in the song info too
 "I joined the cult of Jon Tiven/Bye!" |
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Doryphore
- FB Fan -
Belgium
111 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 14:40:28
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| That would be Chet Baker, given surname Chesney, who if my memory serves me right was one of the first white jazz musicians breaking through internationally. He played the trumpet. |
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n/a
deleted
4109 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 14:45:02
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Isn´t he, Chet Baker, one of Frank´s favourite musician? I read it many times!
Our Man has good taste!
Valeu a pena? Tudo vale a pena
Se a alma não é pequena.
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Mac E. Doobage
= Cult of Ray =
503 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2004 : 17:25:51
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Yes he is and I believe he is obsessed w/ the album "Chet Baker & Crew."
quote:
Originally posted by rita
Isn´t he, Chet Baker, one of Frank´s favourite musician? I read it many times!
Our Man has good taste!
Valeu a pena? Tudo vale a pena
Se a alma não é pequena.
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2004 : 00:37:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Doryphore
That would be Chet Baker, given surname Chesney, who if my memory serves me right was one of the first white jazz musicians breaking through internationally. He played the trumpet.
Many white jazz musicians preceeded Chet Baker, such as Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, Artie Shaw, and on and on. |
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Everything is New - Hank Wiliams & Johnny Horton
